"Having a good time is what feeling connected is about"
Connectedness is not something fleeting; it’s wonderful to feel part of a community. Rob Verhofstad, chair of the Executive Board, emphasized this during the opening of the new academic year. "That's what I wish for our students – and for everyone else."
Aly Smelt, fellow Executive Board member, officially opened the 2025-2026 academic year in the sunny Goffert Stadium. In the background, final preparations for the HAN Open Up Festival were underway. Rob Verhofstad then took the floor, addressing a packed grandstand of staff, students, and representatives from our regional partners.
Connectedness
Verhofstad began his speech with soccer. From the joys of Nijmegen – where we are guests at Goffert Stadium during NEC’s anniversary year – to the sorrows of Vitesse in Arnhem. For many yellow-and-black supporters, these are uncertain days. If one thing is clear from both sides of this coin, it’s how deep a connection can run. "True fans are and always will be fans."
HAN is also committed to fostering connection. "It is one of our six strategic goals. And while the connection may not be as intense as that of soccer fans, it's wonderful to hear the stories people have collected during their time at HAN. Those memories are valuable. "It's those connected people in our community who become our ambassadors."
He also emphasized the importance of HAN's connections with institutions, companies and government bodies in our region. "We are grateful to our partners for that. We collaborate with them in the areas of education, lifelong development and practice-based research. I often refer to this as 'the region as a campus'."
Having a good time
The chair of the Executive Board highlighted the wonderful stories shared by colleagues who have worked at HAN for many years and by members of the VOM, the association for former employees. "Amazing – that truly is a lifetime of connection."
Such connection doesn't happen automatically. It grows when someone – whether a student, employee, institution or company – has a good time while they’re at or with HAN. "That's essentially what it’s about: a time of good classes, good research, respectful interactions, keeping to agreements, and a warm introduction at the start. All of that contributes to connection."
Hard times...
Not everything is going smoothly at the moment, Verhofstad acknowledged. Declining student numbers and significant government cuts to higher education are putting pressure on the organization. "It’s painful to see how these cuts are affecting our employees. Students are under pressure as well, as research shows time and again."
... with bright moments
At HAN, we don’t give up in difficult times. "We stood up and demonstrated against the cabinet’s plans. With results. Some of the cuts were scrapped, as was the long-term study penalty."
There are also positive things to look back on. Verhofstad highlighted the approximately 10,000 students who started at HAN last year, along with all those who graduated. He also mentioned the five newly appointed professors, the partners with whom we launched Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen, the Climate Exam organized at our institution, and the introduction of the HAN Professional Community last year, among others.
As of this year, HAN student Maaike Krom is president of the National Student Union (LSVb). In this role, she is committed to addressing the concerns of students, on issues such as housing, finances and social well-being. At the same time, she is working toward completing her degree in Teacher Education in History. Alongside her studies, Maaike has been active both within and beyond HAN. She served on the School Council for the Participation Council, was involved with AKKU (the Nijmegen student union), and contributed to the hboMZ Foundation for Student Participation in Universities of Applied Sciences. This shows remarkable dedication. "I feel like an ambassador for HAN, but even more so for universities of applied sciences in general. The ups and downs of students are close to my heart. That’s what motivates me. HAN has given me a good foundation, thanks to lecturers and staff whose involvement and enthusiasm make such a difference. It’s important for HAN to nurture that, even in the turbulent times ahead. And I hope I can continue to contribute in the future. To students I say: be active, speak out, even if your opinion isn’t the most popular. Always be open to discussion and listen to one another. You’re not alone as a student, so if you’re struggling, talk to someone. People are happy to help. And HAN gives you the space you need outside your studies".
Resilient, workable, livable
Looking ahead, Verhofstad noted the upcoming election on 29 October. "It’s an important moment, especially in these difficult times." He emphasized the need for a stable national government that provides clear direction, makes clear choices, and shows good leadership.
Today’s pressing issues demand social responsibility. "Also from HAN", the chair emphasized. He focuses on three social missions: "A resilient, workable and livable Netherlands."
We contribute by training resilient students. We are also working with the Ministry of Defense, for example, to explore how research and education in military engineering can help. And we are addressing the energy transition and challenges in knowledge, cyber, physical and social security. "We’re making great strides, but we’re not there yet."
A workable Netherlands also requires human capital. The Netherlands is struggling with this. It is nearly impossible to meet the demand for well-qualified personnel. "That’s why we place so much emphasis on lifelong development. This includes upskilling, retraining and innovation. All are essential if we want to address major social problems. Unfortunately, the outgoing cabinet is not making good choices in this regard. Investments should be made instead of cuts."
We see a livable Netherlands reflected in small but powerful initiatives across our institution. Verhofstad mentioned the Bicycle Fall Prevention project by physical therapy students, which teaches older adults to cycle safely again. The project is now active in several municipalities. He also highlighted the the TeGROETbon greeting coupon, created by two communication students: a simple gesture of saying hello. It makes you feel good and often sparks a positive response. "Give it a try!"
Laying your foundation
Finally, Verhofstad returned to the theme he began with: a lifetime of connection. A good introduction is important for that. "That's where you lay the foundation: for your studies, for contact and friendship, with fellow students and with the institution, the city and the region."
HAN Prizes
Every year the HAN Prizes are presented at the opening of the academic year. Who stood out at HAN as a true changemaker over the past year? Yvonne de Haan and Willem Leijten (dean of the School of Financial Management and Law) announced the winners with many kind words.
The winners are:
Students: Victor Hogewij and Richard Kroesen, Embedded Systems Engineering/ Health Concept Lab, School of Engineering and Automotive
Lecturer: Raymond Jansen, Marketing Management, School of Business and Communication
Researcher: Annica Brummel, Research Center for Strengthening Social Quality, School of Social Studies
Support staff: Claudia Verkerk, College of Education for Primary School, School of Education
Read more about the winners later.
At HAN we’re keen to tackle challenges. Meet our changemakers! Read more about our solutions thate contribute to a smart, green and social future (in Dutch).
